When Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor company in 1903, he had no idea where the company would go. From its early roots and groundbreaking introduction of the first assembly line, to its stylish models on sale today, Ford has a rich history in the auto industry.
Particularly, the company has dominated the SUV market, with several models standing out over the years. Here are nine of the best Ford SUV options from throughout the years to take you on a nostalgic journey.
- The Best Ford SUV: Ford Bronco
The most iconic SUV in Ford’s history is the Bronco, a two-door jacked-up monstrosity that conquered the market. It ran from the mid-1960s until 1996 when the model got replaced by the Expedition. With six generations over its more than thirty-year run, the Bronco has seen everything from a compact SUV to a full-size model.
The model underwent a brief stint as the Bronco II, a return to its early compact days. This version only ran for six years in the late 1980s, competition for the Jeep Cherokee.
Most recently, Ford announced they’d build a new Bronco for the 2021 model year. This has led to much speculation about what it will look like.
The SUV reportedly will compete with Jeep Wranglers, featuring off-roading heft and a more boxy style. The new Bronco’s set to use the new Ford Ranger frame and come in as a mid-size SUV.
- Ford Explorer
This mid-size SUV was the first one created by Ford that had four doors. It first came out in 1991, the same time Ford quit selling Bronco IIs. The Explorer is still available today, after almost thirty years on the market.
This model has undergone more changes than many other Ford vehicles, having had two-door options, four-door options, special engine modifications (the Cologne package), and other redesigns. It’s had runs as a Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, and a manual transmission. Ford even makes special versions for emergency services.
- Ford Escape
Not as sporty as a Ford Mustang, this crossover SUV is still stylish. Built with Mazda, the Escape also sold as a Mazda Tribute until 2008 (although the suspensions were different). The Ford model keeps receiving redesigns, now on the fourth generation.
The vehicle also comes in a hybrid model, something first requested in a custom option for President Bill Clinton (his vehicle was made as a Mercury, one of Ford’s answers to a luxury brand). The Escape is the first Ford SUV made on a car frame instead of a truck.
- Ford Expedition
This full-size SUV is another long-running Ford model, one you can still buy at the dealership today. It’s been available since 1997, offering competition for the Chevy Tahoe. Just as the Explorer was a first in its class, the Expedition was the first full-size Ford SUV that had four doors.
The Expedition’s built on a truck bed, using the Ford F-150 frame. It’s even built in the same plant as the truck. They’ve also sold the model under the Ford luxury brand, Lincoln (as the Lincoln Navigator).
The big vehicle is built for families with space to seat 8 (the original models had space for 9). Ford also builds a special version for emergency departments, as with the Explorer.
- Ford Edge
This model was famous for the billboards that showed it driving along the top edge, indicating that a perilous, daring adventure was waiting for anyone who buys the vehicle. Unlike most of the other vehicles listed here, the Edge is made in Canada, rather than the Wayne, Michigan plant or the Kentucky plant.
First sold in 2006, the Edge is still in production today. While it’s already had one redesign, the stylish SUV also does well in Europe and Oceania.
- Ford Flex
The Ford Flex is one of the only Ford SUV models that doesn’t start with the letter “E.” As its name implies, it’s a vehicle unique unto itself, without a hint of other models in the body style. Its unique character is also reflected in the rest of the vehicle, from engine to interior.
The model’s V6 engine had two options when it first came out, but it got a boost with the 2010 iteration. The new engine had more horsepower, with long-lasting turbochargers aiding its performance.
Because it’s a crossover built on a car frame instead of a truck frame, the Flex has more comfort and fuel-economy that larger SUVs don’t have. It’s long, square shape was popular, and although it got a redesign after its first 3 years, the vehicle still saw its final year in 2019.
- Ford EcoSport
This sporty little SUV is a relatively new Ford model for the American market. It’s similar to a Kia Soul, with five seats and a compact body style.
The EcoSport was released in other countries first, designed in Brazil in 2003. Since then, it’s made its way across the ocean to countries like India, Russia, and Thailand. Finally in 2018, Ford USA introduced the EcoSport here.
Early models resembled the early Toyota RAV4s, although the newer models have a new design. They’re smaller and curvier, with a nod to the Nissan Juke (although it’s more spacious and accommodating for families). The new lower price is also helpful for families.
- Ford Excursion
This SUV was only made for 5 years because it wasn’t very popular. It also holds the distinction of being the longest full-size SUV (and the heaviest) ever made.
Like the Expedition, the Excursion was built on a truck frame, though they went bigger for this model. It’s based on the Ford F-250 Super Duty because the company was hoping to compete with the Chevy Suburban.
Although Ford discontinued the model, a few years later they did start selling the Expedition in an XL model to make up for it.
- Ford Everest
The mid-sized Ford Everest is one that many Americans may not have heard of. While it’s still in production today (having begun in 2003), it’s mainly marketed overseas. Thailand sells a lot of these, as does India under the model name Endeavour.
China, Vietnam, and South Africa also have production plants for this vehicle. The model is built on a Ford Ranger frame, just like the new Bronco will be.
Ford’s Rich History
It’s hard to pick just one model that is the best Ford SUV. Yet these nine are some of the most popular in Ford history, as well as holding court as sporty, fun-to-drive vehicles.
With continual updates and new models in the works, Ford SUV line-up continues to be a relevant selection for daily drivers and special jobs alike.
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